© 2026 Sloth Lingo. Learn easy. Lounge wisely.

gestate

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈdʒɛsteɪt/

KK: /ˈdʒɛsteɪt/

intransitive verb
Definition

To develop or grow over time, especially in the context of pregnancy or the formation of ideas.


Example

The idea began to gestate in her mind before she finally decided to write the book.


Tense Forms

Past: gestated

Past Participle: gestated


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever thought about how ideas gestate before they become something real?
Sloth B
Definitely! It’s interesting how creativity takes time to develop.
Sloth A
Right? Sometimes I feel like my best ideas need to gestate for a while before I can share them.
Sloth B
I totally get that. Patience really helps in the creative process.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
develop
mature
grow
Antonyms
abort
cease
stop
transitive verb
Definition

To carry a developing baby in the womb from the time of conception until birth, or to develop an idea in one's mind.


Example

The mother will gestate her baby for nine months before giving birth.


Tense Forms

Past: gestated

Past Participle: gestated


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about Sarah? She's going to gestate her ideas for the new project this week.
Sloth B
That's exciting! I can't wait to see what she comes up with.
Sloth A
Yeah, I think she has some great concepts in mind that she's been working on.
Root Explanation

Gestate → It is formed from "gestare" (meaning to carry or bear) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating a process or action). The word "gestate" means to carry or develop something, particularly in the context of pregnancy or the development of ideas.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'gestate' as carrying or developing something over time, just like a mother carries a baby until it is ready to be born.

Visually Confused Words
estate
testate
restate
enstate
state
getae
vegetate
prestate
Is this page helpful?
Sloth B
For sure! It'll be interesting to see how she gestates them into a final plan.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
conceive
develop
foster
Antonyms
abort
neglect
disregard